DrAlex McCarthy

My group is based at the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, in the Department of Infectious Diseases, in South Kensington. We study the role of innate immune receptors in the generation and modulation of innate immune responses in host immunity and inflammation, and how pathogens exploit these receptors to manipulate innate immune responses.

Our Lab Investigates

• The role that inhibitory immune receptors play in fine-tuning antibacterial innate immune responses and their roles in bacterial diseases
• Immune evasion mechanisms and evolution of human bacterial pathogens

Our vision is that our output unveils novel immunological concepts and biological mechanisms that promote bacterial infections to drive the development of next-generation therapeutics. We are also committed to training next generation of scientists, equipping them with scientific skills, developing their leadership qualities, and training them in sustainable research. We are currently funded through BBSRC, MRC and Wellcome Trust.

Our Group
Our research team forms a dynamic, multidisciplinary unit within the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology (CBRB) and the Section of Molecular Microbiology at Imperial College London. We bring together researchers with diverse expertise in cellular immunology, microbiology, and host-pathogen interactions to tackle complex mechanisms of infection. We use multilevel techniques covering genetics, protein expression/purifictaion, biochemical assays, cell culture assays, ex vivo tissue infection models and preclinical studies. 

• See our Team Members at our Lab Webpage here.

See our Recent News here.

Background & Career History

• 2019-present: Principal Investigator in the Department of Infectious Disease. 
• 2016-2018: Intra-European Fellowship for Career Development funded by EU MSCA to join the laboratory of Prof Jos van Strijp at the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht in 2016 to study the role of LILRs on neutrophils.
• 2013-2016: Postdoc in the laboratory of Prof Peter Taylor at University College London (UCL) School of Pharmacy, London, UK, to study the host-pathogen interactions of E. coli in neonatal sepsis and meningitis. 
• 2009-2013: Postdoc in the laboratory of Prof Jodi Lindsay at St George's University of London, London, UK in 2008 to study the evolution and host-pathogen interactions of S. aureus.
• 2009: PhD completed at the University of Leeds, UK.

Opportunities to Join the Lab

We are always keen to hear from motivated, talented, and curious researchers interested in bacterial infection biology, cellular immunology, and host-pathogen interactions. Whether you are looking to apply for external fellowships, pursue a PhD, or gain hands-on laboratory research experience, our group offers a vibrant, supportive, and well-funded environment.

• Postdoc and Research Fellowships: We welcome inquiries from ambitious scientists who have a background in microbiology, immunology, or a related discipline and who are excellent candidates for independent postdoctoral fellowships (such as EMBO, MSCA, BBSRC, MRC, or Wellcome Trust fellowships).
• PhD Projects: Prospective PhD students interested in our research areas are encouraged to get in touch. Opportunities are available through various Imperial College PhD programmes, doctoral training partnerships (DTPs), and targeted studentships.
• BSc and Masters Projects: We regularly host students undertaking research projects (such as BSc, MRes, MSci, and BSc projects) within the Department of Infectious Disease, offering hands-on training in state-of-the-art cellular and microbiological techniques.